Media statement, by Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Honorary President UPKO, Tuaran Member of Parliment
KOTA KINABALU: It is interesting that DAP Secretary General Anthony Lok is describing UPKO president Ewon Benedict’s Federal Cabinet resignation as “playing to the gallery.
That is a curious phrase of choice as it is generally known that Ewon was merely keeping to his word that he would quit his Cabinet post should the Federal Attorney General appeal against the Kota Kinabalu’s High Court ruling over Sabah’s 40% revenue claim.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the Federal government is not
appealing the ruling, but Federal officials said the Attorney General would however appeal portions of it.
So in essence, the Federal government is in fact going back on its word. How do you say that you are not appealing against the ruling but only portions of it? It is either you appeal or you’re not. The Federal AG can’t have it both ways.
And Sabahans have lauded Ewon’s move to quit. His announcement came in a statement to the media and not in front of a cheering crowd.
Loke should know that a more suitable definition of the phrase playing to the gallery is when a leader gives a speech containing half truths while showing off his oratory skills – like when Anwar Ibrahim did when announcing the PKR candidates recently.
It appears that Anwar is also playing a delaying game in resolving Sabah’s 40% revenue claim by announcing that the Federal government had begun talks with the State over the matter.
Anwar had clearly said at the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching in 2023 that his
responsibility as Prime Minister was to implement the promises and agreements made by the founding leaders at the formation of Malaysia.
In the Prime Minister’s own words “Some other matters that have been guaranteed are not open for negotiation but for implementation (Beberapa perkara lain yang termaktub saya telah beri jaminan bukan untuk di runding, tetapi untuk dilaksanakan.
The procedure for the payment to Sabah and Sarawak has been outlined since 1963. Is it not stated Sabah’s right to receive 40% of net federal revenue derived from Sabah, as stated under Article 112C and Section 2(1) of Part IV, Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution?
So there should not be any hold up in complying with the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling.
Unless certain personalities from across the South China Sea keep playing to the gallery for motives only they themselves know.
